Dillema

Joel M

Greetings all,

I have a Weil with the coil, about 18 years old. I assume the coil has got build up since it no longer supplies a decent showers worth of hot water. Would I be better off having the coil replaced or getting rid of it and going to something like a Megastor 40? My oil burner tech said to wait and replace the entire boiler with a new one and a Megastor at the same time. This seems like a lot of money, I have a rough idea replacing the coil would run about $1000. I dont want to throw good money after bad, but is it possible my present boiler could go another 10 years? It seems to be ok, gets serviced every year and has had new valves, mixer, etc.

Thanks,

Joel M

sjb

coil

How about having the coil flushed w/ descaler?

Charlie from wmass

are you sure your mixing valve is working?

also is there a flow regulator of some kind slowing the flow through the coil to the proper GPM rate? My Weil Mclain in my own home is 37 years old with a tankless. No flow issues as of yet but it is also a matter of water quality too. a PROPERLY installed indirect will save you fuel. It may also provide a lot more gpm's of hot water than you coil can. this will negate the fuel savings but may make it possible to take two showers at the same time or wash dishes while someone else showers. The answer is " It depends" .

Dave Yates (GrandPAH)

Joel

Part 1: Your boiler is not well insulated - meaning it gives off lots of energy to the surrounding space. Unless you're operating a bakery and use that room as a proofing-box, I'd suggest you install an indirect.



Part 2: Unlike the boiler, they're extremely well insulated (lose about 1/2 a degree per hour) and I'd recommend adding one more thing: a control to turn your boiler into a cold-start beastie instead of letting it idle like a rail dragster. You'll never notice the lag-time it takes for it to warm up.



Both moves will save fuel. You'll have more hot water. Your hot water temperature will be better regulated - meaning safer.



Part 3: have your installer add a thermostatic ASSE-rated scald-guard mixing valve in the tank's outlet.

OilsBetter

Look at the whole picture...

You need to look at alot of aspects like what your bank statement is saying, how long you plan on being there, and what kind of condition is the  unit in now.

If you can afford a new higher efficiency unit and plan out getting some use out of it then go that route. If financially you're not ready to spend alot of cash just replace the coil. If your unit is ready to fall apart then wether you are rich or poor than i'd suggest trying to get the new unit.



Even though you not supposed to talk pricing i would estimate a new coil installed for about half the amount you have listed. Overall fuel saving in most cases aren't great but they do add up. Better efficiency and shorter run times with a new unit will keep the oil man at bay a little longer between fill ups.

Joel M

dillema

Thanks for all your replys. The mixing valve should be good because initially the water is hot then cools dow pretty quick. I guess for now I will get a price on a new coil.